Do you have a job interview coming up? Are you nervous? There’s no reason to be. Though a job interview is one of the most intimidating ways of meeting someone, there are a number of strategies you can use to ensure that you make a good first impression and get on your future employer’s good side. Simply put, preparing adequately for an interview can make the difference between standing out from the pack and not receiving a call back.

If you’d like to prepare better for your job interview, try these few tricks!

Research the company ahead of time

You don’t necessarily need to know everything about the company, but it’s a good idea to read about its goals, history and current market position. By being knowledgeable about the company’s industry, or being able to discuss ways in which you would be able to improve the company’s bottom line, you’ll show initiative while demonstrating that you take your job search seriously. If you know someone who already works there, talk to them about their role within the company, and how it affects the position you’re applying for. Lastly, make sure to review the original job posting and learn as much information as possible about the role you would be occupying.

Practice with someone you know

You know what they say: practice makes perfect! If you’re feeling nervous about your interview, this is the best way to prepare. You’ll grow more comfortable answering questions and you’ll improve your ability to present yourself, placing the appropriate emphasis on certain elements of your resume, such as, for example, your training from 3D animation colleges or law clerk colleges. Practice maintaining eye contact and giving clear, concise answers. If the friend you’re practicing with also has a job interview coming up, try role reversal. Placing yourself in the shoes of the interviewer will get you to understand better what they’re looking for.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer

It’s a good idea to be active rather than passive during a job interview. By asking questions, you show a natural curiosity and desire to learn. Of course, inundating your interviewer with questions might not have the desired effect! Instead, try to participate in the interview while still allowing the interviewer to lead the discussion. Ask questions about the future of the company, such as new markets opening up or long-term growth, about specific projects that the company is currently working on, or about internal training they offer, such as business management training.

Anticipate classic interview questions

While there’s no universal way to conduct a job interview, there’s a strong chance that your interviewer will ask you questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or “What is your biggest weakness?” By preparing in advance for these questions, you won’t have to worry about improvising something on the fly. You’ll be able to calmly recite your prepared answer while focusing on your delivery and tone. While these questions may sound simple, they’re a good way for interviewers to evaluate your goals, aspirations and personality type.